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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

It is so easy to eat unhealthy. Chocolate bunny for breakfast? So easy.

Drinking Diet Coke instead of water? Tastes better.

And working out. Who's got time for that?

These past few weeks, I left the dieting behind. I ate what I wanted, worked out when and if I wanted. And that's just a bad idea, folks. I added a few extra pounds and am not feeling great.

This time last year, I was on my way to my wedding day and in serious crunch mode for my weight. Since then. let's just say, not quite there.

This is the stop to that. Healthy eating isn't just about weight. It's about all over body health. If I eat like crap, I feel like crap. I gain weight and my blood pressure, cholesterol go up. This leads to health problems.

To get me back on track, I have joined the Tone IT Up #BikiniSeries. Fit and fabulous before my first anniversary. I want abs. I want my love handles gone. I am not sure if I will weigh myself daily or weekly. Only because that can sometimes be my fixation. Curses to you scale.

I just want to be healthy. Feel fit.

But the struggle is there. And burpees are hard. And every other excuse that I have ever given. It's a mental block that needs to go. Like yesterday.

It ends today. Today, I make the pledge to get healthier, get fit and say goodbye to love handles and hello to new abs. I will be eating mostly yeast-free and sugar free (minus margaritas, just being real) I will be sticking to my fitness plan provied by Tone it Up and meet by #1800minutechallenge.

I am also holding myself accountable with all of you. You all see my pledge to get back in shape. Pretty much I have no choice but to stick with it. Otherwise, how much of a fail is it if you see me looking the same in a few months?

So here it is. Here it goes. I am going to do something I thought I would never do. Post a before picture. Let you all see the jiggle, wiggle.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

I am fully aware of the grammar usage in that sentence. Does it make you cringe? I sometimes find myself wanting to correct my own slang on my posts.

Today is one of those days. The days when you sit and stare. Stare at a blank page wondering just what to fill it with.

Should I talk about Lily? You know you all love her and her adorableness all over my Instagram.

Or maybe tell you how excited I am that I scheduled a 4 day weekend next week and I am beside myself. It will include a haircut, massage, mani/pedi and heading back to my hometown to see one of my home girls. Yea, I went there.. And hopefully a new laptop if I'm really good..Cross your fingers for me!

I could tell you that I am currently chatting with a friendly man name Travis from Apple Care.

Facebook is having some serious issues on my iPhone. Wouldn't be a big deal buttt Candy Crush, Cartwheel, pretty much every app can't access Facebook. clearly, this is serious.

Perhaps you might acually want to hear about my Easter weekend. Where we strolled in Princeton, had a mid day glass of wine, and a nighttime margarita. Visited Dad on Sunday and ended it with Devious Maids.

And I know you want to hear that I have FINALLY joined the #1800minutechallenge with the genius Erin from Living in Yellow.

Late to the party as always, but I'm determined to get there nonetheless. I am also signed up and ready to take on the Tone It Up Bikini Series. I am all kinds of serious about getting myself in shape.

I think that is all for my very random brain dump. Any fitness plans you have before summer? And how cute is Lily? But seriously ;)

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

It was the year when Britney Spears spent 32 weeks as Number 1 on Billboard Top 100 for Baby One More Time. That song reminds of personal radios with cassettes. Rewind, play. Rewind, play again.

Before her CD was released I would sit by the radio ready to hit record so I could replay it on my cassette over and over. Feel free to reminisce won't you?

She was the innocent Britney. The Britney before the shaved head days. When she wore matching jean outfits with Justin Timberlake and young girls everywhere were freaking out over all her songs. Guilty as charged.

I was the awkward age of 12. I was 6 months before my teenage years, just started to see the sprout of fresh acne on my face. My hair. Well, my hair. It's the years you kind of say, "What was I thinking?"

Me at age 12.

Old Navy was the what all the cool kids were wearing. Mostly because it had just opened in my one floor, tiny spec of a mall. It was a hit. The only thing I wanted to wear was something that had "Old Navy & Co." plastered across the front.

It was the year I refused to wear glasses any longer. Literally. I thought it was cool to squint all day to get my way. I mean, it did work. But what a brat. Now, I would give anything to have better glasses to wear more. Cycle of life.

12th Birthday Feeding Dolphins

I played the clarinet and chose band as my extracurricular activity. Made it to first chair (code: really the best) before I decided, I was just too cool to be in the band. Still have that clarinet floating around. Because you never know when I might want to bust out a tune. *thanks for no pictures of these, fam.*

And it just so happens, I revisited this time period my senior of college. School girl, chair dance, Baby One More Time. Cest la vie. Am I right?

Every hear a song that takes you back to moments in your life? Or do you remember the young, innocent Britney Spears? Tell me ALL about them.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014

First, not that kind of lovin' will be talked about here. Keep moving along..

What is Love It Forward about? Love It Forward
it just about that, love. Putting love back into the world and showing
people the kindness everyone is capable of. It can be anything from
making your husband breakfast to paying for a complete strangers coffee.
Just a little something or something on a larger scale. Just spread the
love and you jut might put a smile on someone's face that really needs
it.

The past few weeks I have had a rough go of things. By my own doing for the most part. I was sick a whole week, husband took care of me. I had insomnia the one week and husband dealt with the crankiness. He cleaned for me. Did a little bit of cooking and was pretty great at talking me out of my black hole. He definitely deserved a little extra love from me this week.

Brian's love language is quality time so I decided to make him his favorite dinner, Chicken Lo Mein and grabbed some of his favorite beers on my way home from work. We ate at the table (I admit we do not do that all the time..) and had genuine conversation. About our weeks, house chatting and just general newlywed talk. I'm sure there was mention of Lily a time or two.

It was really nice to be able to spend that time with him especially knowing our schedules would be crazy over the next week. It's always nice to spread the love right in your own home. Give a little extra for your husband. Say thank you. Show appreciation.

And feel free to also give some of the other lovin' too. Totally up to you.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

As we enter into wedding season, we enter into bridal shower season. Cue the last additions to the registry and guests scrambling around to find the most useful gift for the newlyweds.

Choosing what to put on your registry can be a daunting task. As can be what to gift to the bride and newlyweds. Lucky for you, a year ago I had my own bridal shower filled with so much love and gifts. If you're stumped on what to add to your registry or give a newlywed couple, these list of must-haves are what we have loved using this past year!

Keurig Coffeemaker- One of the most popular registry items the past few years that just keeps getting better and better. There are so many different varieties of coffee flavors, it can be a surprise every morning! Not to mention, you can ditch the tea kettle because it also makes cups of hot water.

Handheld Vacuum-There will be plenty of tiny messes to clean up your first year as you juggle living as a twosome. I am partial to this Shark Handheld because it is great to clean cat hair off the couch and you can also use it for the car. Plus, very husband friendly.

Non-Stick Cookware-Whether you are a seasoned cook or a newbie, you want non-stick cookware. As a wife, you will want to try out all kinds of new recipes to impress the new hubby. And some might err on the side of burnt. Non-stick provides an easier clean up. Also useful for when the husband wants to try his hand at the cooking and just might set off the fire alarm. Hey, it happens.

Bedding-The one thing you will use literally every single day. I'm sure it is beyond time that you update that bedspread from your single days. Bring in the new, fresh to your marriage. Plus, you can decorate around the new color scheme. And get to start to justify your purchases for that to your new husband.

Knives-No, not for the tough times in marriage ;) Great for all that cooking from scratch you will attempt. There are no words for how new knives can make you feel like you can cut, chop, poke anything. Basically, recipes are at your mercy with new knives. Especially when they are Martha Stewart. Chopping wizard, anyone?

Mixing Bowls-You know all of those recipes in that bright, shiny, new recipe book made from your bridal shower inserts? They require multiple steps. And multiple bowls. Don't let your head spin. Register for mixing bowls. They are a lifesaver when you are trying to multitask for a recipe. Martha Stewart is a genius that offers mixing bowls that measure and do not slide. Game changer.

Dishes-It's time to ditch the idea of fine china. You have so many options for finer casual dishes. Meaning, they can be used for your everyday dishes and also be used for dinner parties. It is also necessary to say good-bye to those mismatched, plastic plates and update your cabinet.

Crockpot-Life. saver. Adjusting to newlywed life can be a struggle in the beginning. Between all the cleaning, cooking and working, it can be a bit overwhelming. The crock pot allows you a little breathe room when you get home from work as it cooks the dinner for you! Plus, this adorable Crockpot dip warmer is great for spinach artichoke dip at parties.

Mixer/Blender-You can't find a registry these days that do not have a fancy mixer or blender. It's basically a new wife right of passage to know how to make fancy desserts and cookies for family functions. Or to whip up a proper margarita to lounge out on the patio with. The Ninja is a great alternative for a larger KitchenAid mixer as it mixes small batches of cookies and cake batter. Much more intimate dinner party appropriate. And of course, those margaritas.

Monograms-Assuming you are taking on a new last name, the excitement of a new initial is something that can't be explained. Make sure to add a few fun items with your new married initial to welcome yourself as a new married lady. And to flaunt as a newlywed.

What are your registry must-haves? Anything you wish you had added to your registry?

9. What do you wish your superpower was?
Fly for sure. It would be so much easier to see everyone I want to see on the regular10. Where were you yesterday?
Morning I was at home, blogging up a storm with the windows open and coffee in hand. At night, I was at work, walking up a storm.

11. What is your current phone background?
Live Life with a Little Sparkle

12. First song you turn on when you've had a bad day
Carly Rae Jepsen-Call Me Maybe-Great 30 second dance party song. Have a try at it.

13. Have a night out or evening in
My introvert ISTJ self prefers an evening in

Friday, April 11, 2014

ONE | What up warm weather? I mean seriously, beautiful weather going on around here and I am loving it. We have plans to go to the park tomorrow morning before I go to work to take some pictures. Can't wait!

TWO | Speaking of taking pictures..my photog skills need some upgrading since I bought my DSLR. I am used to auto so much it pains me. I am looking to take a fun local or online course that takes me through all the functions and tests my photog skills out. If you know of any, please let me know. Thank you kindly.

THREE | On my #100HappyMoyDays, I have been doing great. It really helps you realize the little things in your life that you should be focusing on. When I am at work all day, when I am talking to someone or doing something I always think, Hey, this is a good part of this place. Or when I have a rough work day I know there is always something that will make me happy at home. Specifically, two very important things.

FOUR | If you have any desire to buy a Disney item, say for a Disney vaca or that special someone, you just want to enter this giveaway.

FIVE | This song makes me wanna dance, on a patio, with a margarita. Jason Derulo dance moves optional but encouraged.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

If you have been around here for a little while or know me well, you know I absolutely love, love me some Disney.

As if getting engaged in Disney didn't tell, maybe the Disney wedding details tipped you off or the fact I mention Beauty & the Beast on occasion. Any of these will do.

Which is why I am very excited to be giving away a $20 Disney gift card with some other lovely ladies. The giftcard can be used at the Disney store (which might be one of the best stores on the planet) or on your Disney vacation. And if you are going on a Disney vacation, I am officially jealous.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

This is the mantra when you enter high school, what you are told over and over again. I accepted it and also saw it as my way out coming from a small town.

I'm meant for bigger things and college will get me there, I said.

There I was, in 2005, packing more than half my belongings up and moving into a concrete walled room, hopes and dreams high for my future. My future job was in my grasp. The job I wanted? To be a journalist. I loved writing and that's all I wanted to do.

After being on the school newspaper for a year, I found it just wasn't for me. Writing those stories, not my style. I explored my options with my "advisor" and switched over to public relations. I decided I wanted to be a PR person for a company or big shot celebrity. I had the writing down just needed to fine tune it a little.

I excelled at my PR classes, loved writing press releases and putting that spin on a story. I eventually picked up a minor in event planning. With PR, you are responsible for planning events and launch parties like the big people do. Or so I was told.

Then came graphic design. I had to take a beginning course as a requirement for my minor, but ended up loving it. I could whirl my way around Photoshop and Flash like a pro. OK, I exaggerate but a pro in college terms. It was too late to drop my event planning minor and pick up this instead.

Put it as a concentration on your resume, I was told.

My grades were decent, not straight A's but not straight C's. I had internships, worked my way through college and was in a sorority that gave me leadership and event planning experience. I was ready to take on the world the fall of my senior year. I was ready to go out and work for that dream job.

What no one could tell me.

You're mom won't be there on graduation day.

Your last semester of college will be turned upside down.

My last semester of college was the best definition of a blur. My family insisted my mom would want me to go back, and I agreed but there are days I can't even remember from my last semester. I was struggling going to class and adjusting to my mom being gone.

While everyone was finalizing resumes and going on job interviews, I was trying to heal the biggest hole in my heart. I also had to make different decisions then I had planned. I would be going back home indefinitely to get my mom's house in order. Not my original plan. I had planned on staying there with her that summer while I searched for a job.

May 2009, I received the degree everyone told me I had to get. I also received hefty student loan bills and a whole mess of no jobs near the middle of nowhere where I had to back to. I was on my way to broke, no job and living in the house I had shared with my mom.

I fell into a job to pay the bills, still having hopes I would find something else. Something I really wanted to do. As those jobs didn't come, the promotions at this job kept coming. Months turned into years. 4 years today. 4 years I have been with this company. 4 years I have given so much to be stuck.

Going back into what I went to school is almost a whole new start. At 27, I have to make a new start? But staying where I am, requires me to work somewhere that doesn't deserve me anymore. They have used up everything I can give them and keep beating me down. I am unhappy and do not enjoy my job anymore.

As you can see, the path I took after college determined my future. It wasn't the path I chose, God chose it. Now it's time to accept that where I am is where He wants me to be. He will show me the right way. Just have to keep reminding myself.

Monday, April 7, 2014

This was a much needed, relaxing weekend. I didn't clean, grocery shop or do laundry. We just relaxed, met up with friends and had a nice date night.

Friday night: Captain America Date Night!!

If you remember my superhero post, you will see my love for superheroes. Plus, Chris Evans is a plus.

Saturday:

Slept in; did our taxes and went over to my best friends . Had some drinks, caught up and came home ready to tackle our Sunday.

Sunday: We did some home perusing. We really have no idea where we will end up come July we are forever optimistic that it will be the place we want. Either way, we are upgrading come July so I will just be happy we have a washer/dryer.

It was a nice weekend where I didn't do one chore and it was exactly what I needed. Now it's time for the work week and another 6 day long stretch. But then comes another day off and soon after Easter weekend!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Since my Girl with the Yellow Umbrella post, I am sure that many of you have been wondering my thoughts on the series finale of How I Met Your Mother. Let's just say it took me all week just to write this post.

1. There were 9 seasons of How I Met Your Mother. 9 seasons where you see Ted love Robin, break up with Robin, fall in love with someone else but still it's Robin, then she's with Barney and he still loves her. He finds the locket, you think it will happen before she marries Barney. But no. Ted says " Nah, I'm good." He finally finds the girl we have all been hearing about. The girl with the yellow umbrella. Then, she's gone just like that and we are left with Ted and Robin. We could have stopped this story 8 seasons ago.

2. This last season was kind of a bore at some parts. We spent the whole season watching one day play out, Robin and Barney's wedding. Barney had finally found the woman who could make him settle down and it was a great love story between two friends. But no, oh wait. After spending 15 episodes on their day, they end up divorced and Barney is right back to where he was before, making a new playbook. What in the heck?! Takes the romantic part out of the episode where he proposed to Robin and burned the playbook. Way to ruin one of my favorite episodes.

3. The best friends, always there for the big moments, because it's not legendary if they aren't, really aren't that close anymore. One moves away, does her own thing and misses all the big moments. Except for showing up for the wedding of the man she has always been in love with.Why base a show on how great their friendships are when in the end, it doesn't last the hard stuff?

4.As new and creative as it might have seemed to have the ending written at the very start of the show, we all see now why that is actually a really, really bad idea. You are locked into that ending, you force it to be played out not know when your seasons could end. Then you end up with an ending that leaves fans less than satisfied. Crater Bays & Craig Thomas. I will be wary of any show that you
write here forward. I might have enjoyed the episodes, but the previous
seasons, it feels like a boring story leading up to a predictable
ending. And that's a sad realization coming from someone who has seen
this show be a part of their lie.

5. In the end, the real love story will always be Marshall & Lily. The two who met in college, went through some tough spots and still stuck it together. I loved their 5 year "real vows" of how marriage is. I know I no longer want to be the girl with the yellow umbrella. I want to be a version of Marshmallow and Lily Pad.

As you can see, I am a little bitter about the ending. I have seen my share of series endings and this might be my absolute least favorite, including a One Tree Hill ending with no Peyton and Lucas.